Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time August 16, 2020

Observe what is right, do what is just; for my salvation is about to come, my justice, about to be revealed.

— Isaiah 56:1

Pastor’s Corner “Hey Father, what does it take to be a member of St Mary Basilica?” Well I’m glad you asked because there’s

quite a few myths surrounding this question. One myth is that you can’t get anything out of Father Pastor if you don’t fill out that pesky registration form.

Technically, you do not have to fill anything out to be a member of our parish community. According to Canon Law, anyone who lives within our territorial boundaries automatically belongs to us. That means that Fr Shoffner and I are spiritually responsible for everyone living within our territorial boundaries, whether they formally register or not. Filling out the registration form just helps us know who you are and where to send your beloved offertory envelopes. HA! But it also helps us contact you when we miss you or feel like we can minister to you in a specific way of which you may not be aware. It also proves that we are not a dying parish, that is, as long as our young adults all make sure they are registered. So please do make sure you are registered with us if you want to be counted as a parishioner!

Another myth about parish membership is that you have to be formally registered or live within the parish’s territorial boundaries for a certain amount of time before you can enjoy the spiritual benefits of the parish. But that is nowhere to be found in Canon Law. Once you take up domicile within the territory of the parish (or formally register), you are automatically a member and have rights as such. It is just good practice to have a letter sent from your previous pastor speaking of how “active” you were in your previous parish so that your new pastor won’t think you’re just church hopping to get what you want the way you want it.

An “active member” of a parish is typically someone who is formally registered in the parish, assists at Holy Mass every Sunday and Holy Day of Obligation, and contributes somehow to the life of the parish. Contributing to the life of the parish can mean either financially or by volunteering for some ministry or both. I know that not everyone can give the same amount of money. But perhaps you can give more of your time to the catechesis of our faithful or the upkeep of our buildings.

One thing that our Holy Father, Pope Francis, wants is for us to be more welcoming. And that is my goal—to make every soul feel welcome in the Holy Catholic Church, whichever Catholic parish they choose to attend.

—Father Scott Thomas Fr. Scott and Fr. Mark trade months in offering a weekly reflection or catechesis in our bulletins. Be sure to check out what they have to share!

ALTAR WORKERS FLOWER GUILD CARPENTER’S CUP August 21: Connie Parker August 22: Hedy Boelte

PARISH INCOME LAST WEEKEND Weekly amount anticipated to meet budget Amount received last weekend WeeklyEnvelopes: $13,366.00 $9,551.00 (115) Loose Contributions: $347.00 $343.00

Special Collections:

Saturday Vigil Mass August 22, 2020 5:00 p.m.

Sunday Mass August 23, 2020 10:00 a.m.

Lectors: Eddie Stutzman, Ryan Wingfield Eucharistic Minister: Jessica Car ter (Choir /Handicap) Greeters: Janet Aubic, Jessica Carter, Melinda Laird (Elevator) Ushers: Ryan Wingfield, Steve Nielsen, Susan Nielsen, Jimmy Simmons Servers: Jack Aubic, Thomas McKnight Mass Coordinators: Charles Garrity, Jimmy Simmons

Lectors: Jay Gamberi, Graci Gamberi Eucharistic Minister: JoAnn Waycaster (Choir/Handicap) Greeters: Michelle Kaiser, JoAnn Waycaster, Amy Gamberi (Elevator) Ushers: Jay Gamberi, Eddie Stutzman, Todd Waycaster, Mark McCann Servers: Philip Zuccaro, Chase Kaiser Mass Coordinators: Philip Zuccaro, Todd Waycaster

ST. MICHAEL’S LENT St. Michael’s Lent is an old devotion in the Franciscan tradition that has enjoyed a revived popularity in the last few years. St. Francis of Assisi had a great devotion to both the Blessed

Mother and to St. Michael the Archangel, so he began a practice for both himself and his friars of spending the time between the Feast of the Assumption on August 15 and the Feast of the Archangels on September 29 in fasting and prayer as “St. Michael’s Lent”. In fact, it was during this observance in 1224 that St. Francis received the stigmata (the marks of the wounds of Christ in his own body). The practice spread to the Catholic faithful, and

remained a popular practice from the 13th to the late 18th century. Recently, observing St. Michael’s Lent has been revived by the Secular Franciscan Order, especially in the United States, as a time to ask the intercession of both Mary and St. Michael for the protection of our nation. In this time of economic and social struggle in our country, while simultaneously coping with the onslaught of a pandemic while preparing for national elections it is entirely

appropriate to ask for heavenly protection and guidance.

Starting Day: 15th

August (Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary) Final Day: 29

th September (Feast of the Holy Archangels)

Practical Recommendations: Offer a particular sacrifice during the 40 days Say at least a decade of the rosary daily Seek the Sacrament of Reconciliation at some point during the 40 days. Light a blessed candle before a statue or image of Saint Michael, the Archangel. Each day say the Prayer to St. Michael and the Prayer for our Nation

Prayer to St. Michael

St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly hosts, by the power of God, cast into hell Satan, and all the evil spirits, who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.

Prayer for the Nation

Almighty and Eternal God, King of Kings and Lord of Lords: graciously turn your gaze to us who invoke You with confidence. Bless us, citizens of the United States of America; grant peace and prosperity to our Nation; illuminate those who govern us so that they may commit themselves to the common good, in respect for Your holy Law. Keep in the hearts of Your children courage for the truth, love for virtue and perseverance in the midst of trials. Make our families grow in the example that Our Lord has given us, together with His Most Holy Mother and Saint Joseph in the home of Nazareth; give to our fathers and mothers the gift of Strength, to educate wisely the children with which you have blessed them. Place the United States of America and the whole world under the mantle of the Queen of Victories, our Unconquered Leader in battle, the Immaculate Conception. It is thanks to her, and through your Mercy, that the hymn of praise rises to you, O Lord, from the children whom you have redeemed in the Most Precious Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen

Lord, have mercy on us. Lord, have mercy

on us.

Christ, have mercy on us. Christ, have

mercy on us.

Lord, have mercy on us. Lord, have mercy

on us.

Christ, hear us. Christ, hear us.

Christ, graciously hear us. Christ,

graciously hear us.

God the Father of Heaven, have mercy on

us.

God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have

mercy on us.

God the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us.

Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us.

[Repeat pray for us after each invocation]

Holy Mary, Queen of the Angels,

St. Michael, the Archangel,

Most glorious attendant of the Triune

Divinity,

Standing at the right of the altar of Incense,

Ambassador of Paradise,

Glorious Prince of the Heavenly armies,

Leader of the Angelic hosts,

The standard-bearer of God’s armies,

Defender of Divine glory,

First defender of the Kingship of Christ,

Strength of God,

Invincible Prince and warrior,

Angel of Peace,

Guide of Christ,

Guardian of the Catholic Faith,

Champion of God’s people,

Guardian Angel of the Eucharist,

Defender of the Church,

Protector of the Sovereign Pontiff,

Angel of Catholic action,

Powerful intercessor of Christians,

Bravest defender of those who hope in God,

Guardian of our souls and bodies,

Healer of the sick,

Help of those in their agony,

Consoler of the Souls in Purgatory,

God’s messenger for the souls of the just,

Terror of the evil spirits,

Victorious in battle against evil,

Guardian and Patron of the universal Church,

Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of

the world,

spare us, O Lord.

Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of

the world,

graciously hear us, O Lord.

Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of

the world,

have mercy on us.

V. Pray for us, O glor ious St. Michael,

R. That we may be made wor thy of the

promises of Christ.

DIRECTIONS FOR SIGNING UP FOR MASS TIME ON COMPUTER Go to www.signupgenius.com/go/fatherscott Scroll down to Mass times Click sign up under Mass time Click submit and sign up Enter name and email address (for confirmation of your reservation) Click sign up now You will receive an email confirmation. Print a copy or take a picture to show to greeter when arriving for Mass.

DIRECTIONS FOR SIGNING UP FOR MASS TIME ON TELEPHONE If you do not have access to a computer, please call Barbara Lomasney at 601-334-1200 between 9:00 a.m. and

4:00 p.m., and she will make your reservation for you. She can message you with a confirmation for your

Mass time. You do NOT have to sign up for a weekday Mass.

Attending Holy Mass In Our COVID-19 World

In deciding whether or not to attend Holy Mass

*If you wish to attend at St Mary Basilica either Saturday evening or Sunday morning, please sign up ahead of time. Directions may be found below. [You do NOT have to reserve a spot for the weekday Masses.]

*To keep social distancing, we can only use 44 pews in our church right now. This is about 1/3 of our capacity.

*The obligation to attend Holy Mass on Sunday is still dispensed. Those who are sick and symptomatic should stay home. Vulnerable adults, those 65 and older, and those with underling health conditions should continue to shelter in place.

*If you are unsure about your safety, then do not feel bad about staying home. That is perfectly understandable.

*Sunday’s 10:00 a.m. Holy Mass is still being livestreamed and remains available to watch afterwards at your convenience. [St. Mary FaceBook page and greenwavesports.live]

*The Cry Room and Nursery still remain closed at this time.

When Arriving for Mass

*Masks are mandated by the diocese. You must wear one upon entry, and it must cover your nose as well as your mouth.

*Ushers will help you find a seat. Please do not congregate and cause a crowd. Please be respectful of others and their personal space.

*Greeters will be ready to administer hand sanitizer upon your arrival.

During Mass

*Please keep your mask on for the entirety of Holy Mass.

*Missalettes remain available as a gift to you. You may grab one for each person in your family. Please keep them and bring them back for your own use whenever you return.

*Ushers will direct you for Holy Communion. There will be one line and we will respect social distancing. Only the priest will be distributing Holy Communion. After the priest gives you the Sacred Host, please step aside and at that time remove your mask to consume Holy Communion. Then replace your mask. You may NOT wear gloves to receive Holy Communion.

When Departing After Mass

*Please take your time leaving. Ushers will help everyone keep their distancing. Perhaps consider praying a few minutes after Mass to thank God for the opportunity to participate in the Holy Mass.

*Please do not gather as a crowd outside.

The following friends and members of our parish need our prayers. Please add these names to your prayer list. Contact the church office at 601-445-5616 to have names added to the prayer list. Names will be removed after four weeks.

Barron Black Cole Doughty Ken Beesley, Jr. Anne Giadrosich Dinah Ricks Daniel Miller Bobby McLean Phillip Mardis Diane Golden Gwen McCalip Betty White Edna Rose Bellan Paul Vaughan Al Walker Anne Allmand Kate Spencer Jabbia Linda Sevin ************** Charlene Rushing Pete Cantu Dennis McDaniel Erin Myers Barbara Burke Paisley Mardis Dennis Christian Connie Louviere Elsie Evans Kenny Nosser Delphine Prestridge Gerald and Yara Pitchford Bob McWilliams Fr. David O’Connor Butch Brown Anne Tebbetts Mullins Dr. Sam Tumminello Ed Eidt Jessica Leblanc

Patrick Krueger Missy Brown Talor Little Andrew Hill Buddy and Pam Frank ************** Jack and Doris Kerwin Brian Warren Lance Gaude Mary Gunning Clarene Guercio Suellen Barnett Tommy O’Beirne Ben Butler Loveta Byrne Sissy Eidt Browning Wanda Mulvihill Mimi Maier Kate Ferguson Sonny Vance Walter Maier Pat Dale Ron Gaude Mimi Sandel Murphy Peyton Murphy Ricky Woolfolk Chut Billingsley Isaac McIntosh Walter Harrison *************** Orvis Marlow John Barnett Mary Brasher Louis Dallalio John Taylor Paul Vaughan Ken Beesley, Sr.

Johnnie and David Galer Clint and Elizabeth Smith Anita Souderes Gayle Anders Margaret Cooley Charles Garrity Millie Weathersby James Weathersby Carolyn Krueger Selah Willard Michael Shaidnagle Richard Olier Cynthia Dollar Maureen Irby Ron Brumfield Patrick Biglane Karen Gardner Missy Brown Julius Carter Sue Melton Fred Ferguson Margaret Guido Rosalee Eidt

PRAYERS FOR MILITARY and LAW ENFORCEMENT

We pray for those listed below who serve in the military or in law enforcement at this time, especially any of those who are serving in Iraq or in other dangerous areas of the world. Con-

tact the church office at 601-445-5616 to have names added.

Ashley Bennett Tyler Wheeler Andrell Hardy Benjamin Long Delayne Bush Lee Best Josh Jackson Casey Snyder

Brandan Bordelon Christopher Shaidnagle Marcus Estes Aaron Moore Matthew Henderson Matthew Voss Xander Miller

Priester Byrne Mike Chapman Travis Patten Josh Gamberi Conner Burns Luke Eidt Brian Hughes Albert J. Hughes, Sr. Frank Smith

ST. MARY OFFICE HOURS The St. Mary Basilica office has new hours in anticipation of hopefully starting more programs in our parish. New office hours are: 8:30 am-12:00 pm Monday 8:30-3:00 pm Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday 8:30-12:00 pm Friday

ALTAR FLOWERS THIS WEEKEND

The beautiful flowers on the altar of St. Mary Basilica this weekend, August 15 and 16, 2020, are donated by Pat Mullins Jonaitis in loving memory of John “Sonny” Sanguinetti on the 3rd anniversary of his death.

May his soul and the soul of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace.

Adoration of Blessed Sacrament Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament has resumed at St. Mary Basilica. It begins every Monday immediately following the 12:05 p.m. Mass. Adoration will conclude at 5:20 pm with Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. Come to a quiet place and spend an hour with Jesus. During Eucharistic Adoration

hours, someone must be in Church at all times. The Blessed Sacrament can never be left unattended!

PLEASE NOTE: If you have been tested recently for Covid-19 and have not received your test results yet, please DO NOT come to Mass or participate in any group activities until you receive a negative test result. You should be self-quarantining if you have been tested and have not gotten the result back yet. Thank you. Mary Woodward, Chancellor Diocese of Jackson

SYMPATHY We extend our sympathy to Peggy Sandel and family on the death of her husband Walter LeGette Sandel on August 10, 2020.

We extend our sympathy to the Butler family on the death of their sister Marion Butler Peters, who died in Allen, TX on August 10, 2020, and will be interred in Virginia.

May God bless these families in their time of grief, and may He grant Marion and Walter eternal life.

FORMED

SIGN UP FOR FREE AT FORMED.ORG/SIGNUP

1. Visit formed.org and then click Sign Up 2. Select “I belong to a Parish or Organization” 3. Type in St. Mary Basilica Natchez,MS 4. Enter your email—and you’re in! Call Ruth in the church 601-445-5616 if you have any

questions.

PICK OF THE WEEK

RCIA –Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults

Do you or someone you know have questions about the Catholic Faith or are interested in becoming Catholic?

Have you been away from the practice of the Catholic Faith for a while and need an update?

The RCIA process (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) may be for you. RCIA is for : Adults who have not been baptized Adults who have been baptized in other church traditions Catholics needing to complete the Sacraments of Initiation Catholic adults who have not been confirmed Catholic adults who need or want to update themselves on Church teaching Classes will begin the end of September; but in order to plan appropriately, we need to have an idea of how many are interested in attending. If you or someone you know is interested in attending, please contact Ruth Powers at the church office at 601-445-5616 or email her at ruthprocoordinator@cableone.net.

St. Mary Basilica Parish has begun planning for religious instruction for children in the parish who are not currently attending Cathedral School. In order to make appropriate plans, we need to know who and how many children will be taking part. Although providing religious formation for their children is the responsibility of every parent, it is particularly important that students who will be receiving First Reconciliation, First Communion, or Confirmation any time in the next 2 years be currently enrolled. Religious Education Options will include the following:

Grades K-5: Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, a Montessori-based program involving a combination of instruction from a catechist and individualized experiences in the COG Atrium. We have received guidance from the diocese regarding making this work with current guidelines for sanitizing and social distancing, but we need to know how many students will be involved in order to plan.

Grades 6-9: A family-based program using materials ordered by the parish coupled with online resources. An orientation will be provided by the parish. We need to know how many students will be involved in order to order materials.

Grades 10-12: High School students will participate in the RCIA program for one year, followed by participation in the parish Confirmation program.

Please complete the form below and return it to the church office by September 1, 2020. You can also provide the information by calling the parish office at 601-445-5616 or emailing Ruth Powers at ruthprocoordinator@cableone.net

Parent’s Name:_______________________________________________ Address_____________________________________________________ Home Phone Number _________________Cell Phone Number_________________ Parent’s Email_______________________________ Child’s Name Grade _______________________________________ ______ _______________________________________ ______ _______________________________________ ______

_______________________________________ ______

SAINT PIUS X (1835-1914) August 21 Presidential vetoes we understand. But imagine vetoing a papal election! Yet in the conclave of 1903, the Archbishop of Cracow (ironically, a predecessor in that office of Karol Wojtyla, the future John Paul II) vetoed the leading candidate on the order of the Austro-Hungarian emperor. Instead, the cardinals elected Giuseppe Sarto of Venice as Pius X, the first pope, after a succession of nobles and diplomats, to hail from humble origins. Nor did the papacy alter his endearing simplicity. Tailors eventually made his cassock cuffs detachable because he absentmindedly wiped his fountain pen on them, forgetting that his old black cassock had been replaced by papal white! Taking as his motto “To restore all things in Christ” (Ephesians 1:10), Pius condemned the theological innovations called “modernism,” yet dramatically altered the then-common practice whereby people rarely received Communion for fear of unworthiness, mandating early First Communion and urging everyone to frequent reception. Refusing to bless troops assembled in Saint Peter’s Square—“I bless peace, not war!”—he died brokenhearted as World War I engulfed Christian Europe despite his peacemaking efforts. [Photo at left: Window in St. Mary Basilica.] —Peter Scagnelli, Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co.

AN AUTOMATIC EXTERNAL DEFIBRILATOR (AED) IS LOCATED IN THE BULLETIN ROOM /CONFESSIONAL

ON THE ELEVATOR SIDE OF THE BASILICA.

USHERS AND MASS COORDINATORS ARE AWARE OF THE LOCATION.

ST. MARY PARISH 2nd SUCCESSFUL BLOOD DRIVE (in 15 days!)

On Wednesday, AUGUST 12, 2020, St. Mary Basilica held its second blood drive in less than three weeks. With a goal of 25 units, we collected 36 units. At our blood drive two weeks prior, we had a goal of 30 units and collected over 60 units! We thank all of our generous donors and all the members of the St. Mary Community Services Commission along with chairperson Susan Nielsen for the hard work and many hours spent to make these drives so successful. Watch for the date of our next Blood Drive coming in November!

Pandemic Pastors Msgr. Patrick C. Hayden, Father Matthew P. Morrissey and Father Scott Thomas In his first year as pastor of St. Mary Basilica and Assumption of B.V.M Church, Father Scott Thomas has been faced with shepherding his flock during a worldwide Covid-19 pandemic, something he has in common with the late Msgr. Patrick C. Hayden and Father Matthew P. Morrissey.

Msgr. Hayden was pastor of St. Mary Cathedral, and Father Morrissey was pastor of Holy Family Church during the Spanish Flu pandemic of 1918. They co-penned an opinion piece in The Natchez Democrat on 16 November, 1918 voicing their opinion on the Natchez Board of Health decision to close the churches in Natchez.

Msgr. Hayden and Father Morrissey said, "Now that the epidemic of influenza has been pronounced by the proper authorities of the city to no longer be a menace to our people and that consequently the bars have been raised by them we the undersigned respectfully submit this as our conscientious opinion in the matter. In the first place we proclaim ourselves as citizens obedient and submissive to law and order human and divine. It is and had been always our duty and business to proclaim and teach it. But in all due respect to the authorities of our city we think they went too far in closing our churches." They went on to opine that, "We Catholics believe that the highest and most efficacious form of prayer is the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. We and our people were deprived of this, by, what we consider a rather hasty and inconsiderate action on their part.”

Although parishioners were not allowed to attend Mass during the first few weeks of the Covid-19 pandemic, they have been able to “attend” daily and weekend Mass via live streaming and social media outlets.

From the Archives Desk 12 August, 2020 Submitted by Mike Murphy for St. Mary Basilica Archives. Read the article in The Natchez Democrat Saturday Morning November 16, 1918.

REMEMBER YOUR WEEKLY/MONTHLY CHURCH CONTRIBUTIONS

During this Coronavirus pandemic, we thank all our parishioners who have mailed or dropped off their donations to help with our parish’s everyday operating costs. We must still pay our bills! Here are a few alternative suggestions that will help keep much needed offertory support going.

US Mail – simply drop your check in the mail (107 S. Union St., Natchez, MS 39120) Bill Pay – many banks provide a bill pay service. It is a simple process, and your bank can easily walk you through if you have questions. For many it can be set up on your bank’s website. On-line – go to our website (www.stmarybasilica.org) and set up an online donation by using your credit card, debit card or directly from a checking or savings account. ACH Draft— St. Mary offers a once per month ACH draft. You no longer need to write weekly or monthly checks or use your offertory envelopes. Please call Mary Flowers at the St. Mary church office (601-445-5616) or email her to set up this service at stmaryfinance@cableone.net or to change the amount you are currently having drafted.

Thank you for your generosity. We pray that everyone stays healthy during this difficult time. May God bless us all.

REFLECTIONS: August 16, 2020

20th Sunday Ordinary Time “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you

wish.” Matthew 15:28

God has a special mission in mind for each of us. He has

given us the gifts we need to accomplish that mission. We

are called to be good stewards by using those gifts to do

the work that He has planned for each of us. If we deny our gifts or fail to use them as God calls us to

use them, then some part of His work will be left undone.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED AT THE STEWPOT

Before COVID19, the inmates on work detail from the county jail were mowing and keeping up the parking lot at the Stewpot. They are no longer able to do it. If a group or individual would like to take it on as a service project, it would be appreciated!

Most of the food at the Stewpot comes in cardboard boxes. These are broken down and stacked. We need a volunteer to stop by once

a week, any time, and take them to the recycling bin on the Wall Street side of the Convention Center.

If you or your group are interested in either of these service opportunities, please contact me. Thank you!

Amanda Jeansonne ntzstewpot@gmail.com 601.807.2654

ST. MARY YOUTH PROGRAMS CALENDAR

JCYO (7th-8th grade – not 6th grade at this time) Sun., Aug. 16 – We will not be meeting this Sunday. I know everyone is getting ready to head back to school on Monday so I am postponing our events by a following week. Sun., Aug. 23 – 5:30-6:30 pm – Field Day (sort of) – We’ll have fun competing in the green space and Memorial Park – social distancing. What will the games be? You have to show up to find out! We’ll provide the water (no meals at this time). There will be prizes for the winners! Sun., Aug. 30 – 5:30-6:30 pm – Scavenger Hunt – This is not our usual scavenger hunt – due to COVID restrictions. It will be teams of 3 hunting for – you have to come to find out!! We’ll provide the water (no meals at this time). There will be prizes for the winners!

CYO (9th-12th grade) Sun., Aug. 16 – We will not be meeting this Sunday. I know everyone is getting ready to head back to school on Monday so I am postponing our events by a following week. Wed., Aug. 19 – The “Be Still” Classes will start next Wednesday to give everyone a chance to adjust to their back to school schedule. Sun., Aug. 23 – 7-8 pm – Field Day (sort of) – We’ll have fun competing in the green space and Memorial Park – social distancing. What will the games be? You have to show up to find out! We’ll provide the water (no meals at this time). There will be prizes for the winners! Wed., Aug. 26 – 6-7 pm – “Be Still” – This is something new on Wednesday evenings in the Family Life Center. Pizza and drinks will be provided. There will be a flier in next weekend’s bulletin with more information on this exciting new journey! It is not a class or a program. Participating students will receive service hours. . Sun., Aug. 30 – 11:30-3:00 pm – Local Mission Work Camp – Our Local Mission Work Camp was very fruitful this year – to those who served and those who were served. There are many people in our area that need help, so we are pairing up with a few members of the Knights of Columbus and CYO parents to continue our mission work. Thank you to everyone that worked as part of our Local Mission Work Camp in July!

St. Mary Youth Leadership Council Sun., Aug. 23 – 6:30-7 – This year our “planning committee” will meet at the Family Life Center once a month on Sundays for a half hour before the CYO event. We have a logo, new shirts - and I will get everyone’s sizes at the meeting so I can order your shirts. I invited Juniors and Seniors to be on this Council. We will be voting on admitting a few freshmen and sophomores to the Council this year. It is going to be an exciting year for you!

Welcome back! While our gatherings will be a little different our mission remains the same:

To help our youth experience the parish as their church home;

To develop in our youth a sense of pride in their church; and

To enable our youth to grow spiritually.

Blessings, Carrie Lambert Youth Director

JCYO members Ainsley Dupre and Carter Bennett had a blast at Super Soaker Sunday in Memorial Park last weekend!

Due to COVID-19, the Catholic Foundation has been closely following guidance from the CDC and the state of Mississippi, as well as working with Lake Caroline Golf Club to ensure a safe environment for our golfers and staff during the Bishop’s Cup Golf Outing. New protocols will be followed for this year’s event to avoid large gatherings and improve the safety of everyone involved.

NEW THIS YEAR is our Bishop’s Cup website where golfers can sign up to sponsor the event, register each golfer, or purchase Mulligans. The Bishop’s Cup website can be found at https://bidpal.net/bishopscup2020. The site will include an online Virtual Auction that should prove to be quite fun. Bidding on items will begin a week before the tournament and will end the night of the event. Winners of the tournament, as well as auction items, will be posted to the website.

The proceeds from this year’s tournament will benefit the Catholic Foundation Grant Trust. The Foundation manages 378 trusts for the Diocese of Jackson, which help Catholic parishes, Catholic schools, and other Catholic organizations under the auspices of the Catholic Diocese of Jackson.

For more information, please contact Rebecca Harris, Executive Director of the Catholic Foundation, at 601-960-8477. Tickets and sponsorships can be purchased online or contact Julia Williams, Assistant Development Director at 601-960-8481 for assistance.

Mass INTENTION INTENTION DONOR DONOR

12:05 p.m. Mass Monday-Friday

August Monday, 17

Mary O’Beirne Williams (D)

Mary Estelle and Charlotte Sanguinetti

Tuesday, 18 Paul Barnett (L) Suellen Barnett

Wednesday, 19 Cyrus Uzzetta, Sr. (D) Adams Family

Thursday, 20 Ed and May Foley (D) Karen and Eddie Foley

Friday, 21 Judy Clements (D) Steckler Family

Saturday, 22 8:00 a.m. Latin Mass Joe Eidt (D)

5:00 p.m. Mass Edward and Karen Foley (D)

Their Children

Richard Durkin and Camille

Sunday, 23 10:00 a.m. Mass People of the Parish

MEETINGS THIS WEEK ST. MARY BASILICA

READINGS FOR THE WEEK

Monday: Ez 24:15-24; Dt 32:18-21; Mt 19:16- 22 Tuesday: Ez 28:1-10; Dt 32:26-28, 30, 35cd- 36ab; Mt 19:23-30 Wednesday: Ez 34:1-11; Ps 23:1-6; Mt 20:1-16 Thursday: Ez 36:23-28; Ps 51:12-15, 18-19; Mt 22:1-14 Friday: Ez 37:1-14; Ps 107:2-9; Mt 22:34-40 Saturday: Ez 43:1-7ab; Ps 85:9ab, 10-14; Mt 23:1-12 Sunday: Is 22:19-23; Ps 138:1-3, 6, 8; Rom 11:33-36; Mt 16:13-20

August 16 Griffin Hootsell August 17 None

Parishioners, please contact the parish office if your birthday is not listed. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

August 21 Dr. Matt Verucchi Ainsley Dupre Anita Lindsey August 22 Joe Anne Hicks Jewell “Butch” Butler

August 18 Frances Joffrion August 19 Katherine Killelea Katie Gibson August 20 None

MEETINGS and ACTIVITIES REMAIN CANCELLED Although St. Mary Basilica and Assumption Church have begun public Masses, everything else remains cancelled. Our weekly and monthly meetings, exercise programs, parish meals, and other types of gathering continue to be cancelled for the time being. We fully intend to resume all of our parish’s wonderful activities and commission projects as soon as we are confident that we can do so in a safe and healthy manner.

Our priests and staffs of St. Mary Basilica and Assumption Church thank you for being so wonderful and supportive during these challenging times. One thing we know for sure is that our Church cares about each and every one of you. God bless you all, and hopefully, we will begin our activities in the near future.

GOD BLESS OUR

COUNTRY!

GOOD EXAMPLE A faithful Christian, illumined by the rays of grace like a crystal, ought to illumine his neighbor with the light of good example, through word and deed. —St. Anthony